You can call me Pixie (or P1X13, if you're feeling fancy).
I just started a Masters program in rhetoric (woohoo!) and decided to start using my old studyblr as a means of tracking my progress, work time, etc. My main reason for getting back into this is to keep myself from discrediting the work I put into my studies. Don't we love that good ol' imposter syndrome?
If you are new here: welcome! If you aren't: hello! I am not the most responsive person in the world because I get VERY confused whenever people acknowledge my digital existence, but I appreciate you checking out my journey. I may write these entries for myself, but I hope you can find something useful from my experiences.
Below the cutoff is a few things that I've used in my studies/life/work that I recommend and why. Because I am a lover of free things, these all are either fully free or have a free version which works well enough for my standards.
I'll be updating this post every once in a while. This is when I did that last:
Last Updated: 4 September 2025, ~11:00 PM ET
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Studies (Reading, Writing, & Focusing)
Kami
This is a free Chrome extension that functions as a PDF annotator. I am the type of person who NEEDS to annotate to understand readings, and read a LOT because I'm in the Humanities. There is a paid version of this (with a teacher's discount, too!), but is definitely not necessary. Personally, I have the free version because it generally does everything I need it to.
Ellipsus
I haven't used it much recently, but I've used this writing platform to draft essay outlines, job applications, and grad school applications. I first found out about it after hearing about NaNoWriMo endorsing AI in their stuff and when people were freaking out at the prospect of Google Docs/Microsoft Work using their work to test their AI. Do I use it for everything? No. Do I appreciate the ability to have my screen only show my writing rather than word count, font, or settings? Yes. It can help me lock in. In fact, I should probably use it more often. It just doesn't suit my specific needs right now.
Library Sounds
I hate not having noise when I work, and this YouTube Library Sounds video is literally one of the only things that I have been able to train myself to immediately focus with. It doesn't have too much writing, nor too much fake silence. For me, is a great alternative when I can't listen to music with a good beat/lyrics because too many sounds distracts me.
Pomofocus
If the pomodoro method works well for your studying style, this is the perfect website for you. You can adjust how long your pomodoro is, add tasks which you assign certain pomo sessions, and even change the background color. It's free and you don't even have to make an account.
Focus Friend
I literally found out about this, like, last week. It's basically one of those focus apps that tries to convince you to not look at your phone or else a character will be sad. This app's character is a little bean. Mine's name is Beanie Boo. I can decorate Beanie Boo's room. Beanie Boo will knit socks whilst I try to curb stomp my phone addiction while watching TV, or if I am trying to do homework. I like it so far, and, best of all, it is free. Oh, btw it's also made by Hank Green (that guy we all seem to know).
Everyday Life (Self-Care)
Finch
I started using finch during the first year of my Undergrad. I have a bird named Jettie (named after the thing that stabilizes shorelines + spelling like Bettie). She is my pride and joy. My phone once lost its data and I lost a year of progress with her, and I was distraught. Jettie helps me talk about my feelings and do breathing exercises and map out weekly goals. She has bird friends whose parents I am mostly friends with in real life. I can share weekly goals with these IRL friends. It is amazing. Once again, it is free. There is a premium version, but you only gain stuff, you don't miss out on anything essential. I can still do a LOT of self-care.
you feel like shit (a quiz thing)
This website has you go through some questions to figure out why you feel like shit. Sometimes, when I can't put my finger on why I feel shitty, I will seek wisdom from here. Sometimes, I just need water and sunlight, much like a plant.
Work (Teaching & Academia)
SlidesMania
This is a free Google Slides and Powerpoint template hub. I used it for a lot of my lectures when I first started teaching. I only caution you to beware the many, MANY ads that seem like the place to download things. I recommend scrolling to the bottom and pressing "Open in Google Slides" for easier access.
Academia.edu
If you're a grad student like me, there is a chance you already know about this. To those who don't, this is an open-access hub for academic articles. I even have an article linked to my account on here. Highly recommend for when you are searching for an author/text and don't want to pay for it!
OpenStax
Similar to Academia.edu, but with a focus on textbooks. At some point I want to relearn algebra and some of the sciences, and I want to look at the textbooks on here. It's free and I even used some of these books during my Undergrad as assigned reading.
Wednesdays are my busiest days of the week, and so I had MANY things to do today. Mostly class related things.
So, here's what I did today:
Taught my class. We did an activity challenging teams to make the Best Worst PowerPoint, and the winner got a prize. That then transitioned into us talking about "good" versus "bad" design practices (most of my students are doing a presentation for their upcoming project). They seemed to have fun with it. (2hrs)
Worked on some administrative stuff (emails)/paperwork/planning. (15-20m)
Read for my rhetorical theory class. (1.5hrs)
Met with my peer to talk about what points we should bring up in class (we are in a group together, but our other groupmate is sick). (1hr)
Attended my rhetorical theory class. (3hrs)
Went to chess club, which is included here because it is tied to my research pilot. I took notes on the new strategies and techniques I learned. (2hrs)
Total Time: ~10 Hours
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Final Thoughts
Today was very long, so I wasn't able to get too much done. I am looking forward to doing a metric fuckton of grading tomorrow.
Also, I finally filled in the last circle on my workout rewards chart! This means I get to buy some stationary supplies and/or a planner this weekend!
Today, I am finishing this post from my bed. That's the kind of energy I have right now, and that's okay.
Here's what I did today:
Skimmed some readings for my class. (30m)
Worked on developing a website for my independent study. (30m)
Emailed a BUNCH of people, made a notary appointment with UPS, submitted references for my summer job. (20m)
Attended my independent study. (1hr)
Attended the other class I sit in on for my independent study. There was a guest speaker who specializes in assistive technology, so that was really cool. (1hr)
Read through and responded to all of my students' project proposals, sent out reports for my students, did some prep. (2hrs + 20m)
Taking a break because I worked for over 2 hours straight.
Worked on lesson planning. Did some reading for my rhetorical theory class. (anticipated 1.5 hours - edit later)
Total Time: ~7-8 Hours
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Final Thoughts
Virtual Cottage 2 is still amazing. I am actively using it to track my work throughout the day AND I get to decorate a space. It's a win-win situation.
I've been taking steps to try and make this week a bit of a fresh start for my work/ability to focus. This one study space thing I got on Steam (Virtual Cottage) that I love recently came out with a sequel and it's better than I could have ever imagined! So, I've been using it to help me focus a bit more.
Anyway, here's what I did today:
Taught my class. I lectured for a hot second on accessibility and how it's important to build accessible features into systems/projects from the get-go. I also gave them half the class to work on their projects. (2hrs)
I did some admin stuff for my work (like emails and putting 0's in for unsubmitted work with a note saying to email me if the student wants to submit it). (30m)
Did some weekly/daily planning prep. (30m)
Read before class, wrote a memo for my research pilot, worked on my interview transcription. (1.5hrs)
Attended my research methods class. (3hrs)
Hosted my annual review meeting. It went well!! (1hr)
Worked on some slides for a presentation I have later this week. (40m)
Total Time: ~9 Hours
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Final Thoughts
I went to bed before I finished my post last night, but I think that my being excited to start the work for today is a good sign that I am finding my groove again.
I got to do a bunch of cool things today for my work/school, and so I am feeling very tired, yet very hopeful about the rest of the week.
Here's what I did today:
Taught my 8am. We did peer review, and it seemed to be helpful for some people. I was also observed by someone who is technically my supervisor/boss but not actually (she is just a part of that team). I'm going to schedule a time to meet with her soon. (2hrs)
Conducted an interview for my research pilot. I feel like I know SO much more about how people learn chess now. (1.5hrs)
Started logging attendance, sent some emails, and did general admin/paperwork for work. (45m)
Did a BUNCH of reading before class and met with my groupmates to talk about what we wanted to talk about. (2hrs)
Attended my rhetorical theory class. We got out a bit earlier than normal. (2hrs)
Total Time: ~8.5 Hours
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Final Thoughts
I watched Pretty Lethal after chess club aa a treat and had a fun time. I want to watch more movies like it (such as Ready or Not, whose sequel I want to see sometime in the next 2 weeks).
I am simply existing right now, and have now accidentally taken a nap that turned into long sleep for the second time in a week. I'm taking it as a sign that my body needed it. I firmly believe that if given the time and resources and lack of guilt for needing to do work, I could hibernate like a bear.
Anyway, here's what I did today:
Started doing some readings for my XA independent study. Also checked in to a group chat I haven't interacted with in a while. (1hr)
Went to my independent study. (1hr)
Not counting it for time, but I rearranged my office wall brainstorming sticky notes! I also played NYT games.
Started writing my annual review reflection essay. (45m)
Went to my second independent study session of the day. (1hr + 15m)
Printed out papers for tomorrow's peer review and developed the consent form for my interview tomorrow. I also emailed that information to my participants so they could look through them beforehand. (1hr + 15m)
Worked toward filing my taxes for THREE AND A HALF HOURS!!! It should NOT be this hard to delete a document that I DIDN'T EVEN MAKE NOR PUT IN THERE. IT SHOULDN'T BE THERE. NOW I WILL HAVE TO TAKE TIME OUT OF MY WEEKEND TO DO THIS. I'm at my breaking point.
Did a bit of lesson prep. (45m)
Did a bit of reading for my rhetorical theory class tomorrow. (expected: 30m)
Total Time: ~10 Hours
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Final Thoughts
Taxes suck and nobody should have to deal with some of this BS because adulting sucks.
Aside from this horrible taxes experience, I had some good moments today. I'm hoping that tomorrow goes well. I'm going to be observed while teaching, I am interviewing for my research pilot, and I have my theory class (which is always a fun time for me). Here's to hoping I can hold it together!
23 March 2025 - Took a Nap that Became a Sleep Whoops
I haven't posted in a few days, but that's alright. The first two days were because I heard about a posting protest thing and so I didn't go on tumblr for 2 days. The other days were because I'm forgetful lol.
Anyway, here's what I did today:
Taught my 8am. We did an activity talking about finding overlap in sources (using candy as an example). I also conferenced with one student and gave my students 40 mins to work on their projects in class. (2hrs)
Sent like 5 emails, shared a resource with my students, started logging attendance, and updated a resource document. (1hr)
Prepped my weekly calendar and daily want to-do list. (30m)
Read for my research methods course. (30m)
Attended my research methods class. (3hrs)
Total Time: ~7 Hours
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Final Thoughts
I'm having to edit this the next morning because I accidentally fell asleep for like 12-14 hours. It was glorious, but I am still behind on my work lol. I need to lock in.
I'm having coffee with my middle school best friend, which is wild bc we don't really talk anymore. We ended up talking for like 3 hours. I'm also doing some work today :)
Anyway, here's what I did today:
Wrote more of my script for my rhetorical theory project. (30m)
Connected a student with an interviewee. (10m)
Wrote out my to-do list for tomorrow. (15-20m)
Read through 3 articles for class and then took a dinner break. (30m)
Prepped a discussion board post. (10m)
Finished reading an article and did 2 annotated bibliography entries. (30m)
Read through my students' project proposals and interview plans. (40m)
Total Time: ~3 Hours
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Final Thoughts
I feel like I could have/should have done a lot more work today, but I can't change the past. I'm glad I at least did the bare minimum work for today. I'm hoping that I can be a bit more productive tomorrow (school AND personal life-wise).
I went to a coffee shop this late morning with a friend so we could keep each other accountable for grading. I like hanging out with her. Also, body doubling is somewhat effective for my focusing right now. Yay!
Here is what I did today:
Went to the aforementioned coffee shop stayed there for about 2.5-3 hours. I did some grading and intermittently messaged my friends (when my student had some harsh criticisms) (1.5hrs). I filled out some forms for my department grad student org, giving them updates on my council meetings and drafting a transition document (50m). I also finalized and sent out a scheduling poll for my research pilot (15-20m).
Helped my mom edit some documents. (1hr)
Interacted with my network of people to see if I could find potential interviewees for my students. I then prepped some readings for tomorrow. (50m)
Total Time: ~4-5 Hours
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Final Thoughts
I'm really gonna have to lock-in tomorrow. I'm feeling pretty locked-out, as a friend of mine would say. A different friend would say that my body is simply trying to rest. I am simply existing. I am looking forward to tomorrow, though.
I am deciding to go into this day with an emphasis on not being super stressed out and focusing on the most important things for me to manage. Paired with the show outside my window right now, I expect it to be somewhat chill (*badum ch*).
Here's what I did today:
Attended a first-year writing workshop on first generation students. We talked about ways we could provide support in the structure of our classes to help all students, but especially support first gen students. (1hr + 15m)
Did a bit of prep for the day + messaged my prof with ideas for my independent study project. (15m)
Prepped my readings for this week. (25-30m)
Total Time: ~2 Hours
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Final Thoughts
I honestly have too little energy to do much today. Luckily, I have a "grading date" with a friend (who is also an instructor) tomorrow. So, I am going to be able to be held accountable that way. I'm also just generally looking forward to seeing my friend.
Today needs to be a big work day (and also grocery shopping day) for me because I have a lot I need to do to prepare for next week both in my work and my school.
Here's what I did today:
Hosted my office hours for 2 hours. During this, I sent some emails (45m). Started doing some grading (30m). Set up a future tour focused on mindfulness for my students (10-15m). Got back into grading (30m).
Graded and extra 20 minutes.
Started working on a scheduling survey for my interview. I am also included a section asking for consent to record to audio during it. So that's exciting! (40m)
Had a pre-annual review meeting with a committee member. I also brainstormed some ideas for my final project in her class. I then went back to brainstorm ideas for another class, write some potential interview questions, and chat with my friend/coworker. (2hrs)
Edited my interview questions and scheduling survey a bit more. (20m)
Started drafting a script for my final project for my rhetorical theory class. I'm gonna force these theorists into a Burkean Parlor of my own creation. My professors are gonna appear as theory guardian angels. It's gonna be totally rad. I only have bit under 800 words so far, but I am looking forward to writing this. I need to map out the scenes a bit more before I can find the quotes I'm going to use to cite the theorists in their lines, so for now I am just planning out the main points I want to hit and general transitions. (30-40m)
Total Time: ~8 Hours
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Final Thoughts
I have spent many minutes (tens of them) trying to figure out what I want to do for my XA independent study's deliverable and so far I have a lot of ideas, but none of them feel right. I don't get excited at the thought of any of them.
I'm supposed to suggest some things to my professor by the end of tomorrow. The other person in the independent study - it was originally its own class but then got canceled because we were the only two to show up - just sent an AWESOME idea into the chat that perfectly aligns with his interests and ties in cognitive science/psychology (something I am interested in too). And now I'm sitting here like the meme pingu making a valentine's day card while angry.
I woke up today extra tired, but I am determined to make the best out of today! I am making an nice cup of tea, planning on doing some reading for fun, and attending a chess club.
Anyway, here's what I did today:
Did some final prep work before teaching. (20m)
Taught my class! I had my students rhetorically analyze public apologies (like YouTube apology videos). (2hrs)
Logged attendance, sent an announcement, and probably more. (1hr + 10m)
Chatted with a coworker during our weekly debrief. We scheduled a time to meet and grade/do work stuff together on Saturday at a local coffee shop. (1hr)
Skimmed a reading for class today. (30m)
Collected some resources and emailed them to a student. I'm helping her find potential interviewees. (30-40m)
Attended my rhetorical theory lecture. (3hrs)
Not counting for time, but I went to chess club. (:
Total Time: ~8.5 Hours
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Final Thoughts
Chess club was great! I got to talk to new people (well, people I didn't know - I'm the new one here) and got some potential interviewees for my project.
I woke up later than I expected, which is FUN. And now I have half an hour to speed read before class...yay! Also the weather is giving me this dip in motivation. But, alas, I WILL persist!!
Here's what I did today:
Read for class. Mostly skimming. (30m)
Attended my independent study on XA. (1hr)
Filled out some paperwork and started a survey from my conference. (1hr)
Attended another class for my independent study. (1hr + 20m)
Not counting, but I did a few chore-esc things. Like making the bed. Also showered for the first time in like 2-3 days. I no longer feel gross
Started my lesson prep. Did my slides, made a handout, and got my lesson prep sheet all typed out. I also went through the slides at least once. (3hrs)
Total Time: ~7 Hours
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Final Thoughts
I love lesson planning but despise grading. I will be saving all my grading I have planned for tomorrow late-morning to mid-afternoon!
Also, the weird thing at this point in the semester is that I always have something I can do, but it can be hard to identify exactly what that is. Like "yes, I know I need to do something in four weeks for this class, but what do I actually have to do now."
Now that Spring Break and my convention are over, I am having to re-adjust to the pace of schooling. I'm choosing to take it one step at a time.
So, here's what I did today:
Taught my class. Or, rather, a librarian taught my class because - you guessed it - we went to the library. The librarian is super cool, and she gave such an awesome talk. I learned about resources I didn't know I had access to! I am definitely going to request her again next semester. (2hrs)
Prepped for my pre-annual review meeting by making an agenda. I wanted to meet with my committee to get a grasp as to what I should put in my annual review. Apparently that is not as common as I thought, since having this sort of meeting was apparently "revolutionary." I'm just trying to figure my shit out, man. (45m-1hr)
Attended/led my pre-annual review meeting. I feel I have a better understanding of what I am doing based on some conversations I had with two of my committee members. I thought the entire experience was very helpful, and would highly recommend it to others in grad school. (30m)
Filled out my weekly planner AND made a scheduling poll for my annual review meeting. When2Meet is really coming in clutch. I also sent a longer email explaining the poll and thanking my committee for their insight. (30m)
Went to class (research methods). (3hrs)
Started on some homework. (50m)
Total Time: ~8 Hours
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Final Thoughts
I would have done more work, but, frankly, I'm still catching up on my energy levels. I don't feel I got too much rest over spring break, aside from two glorious, glorious days where I fully relaxed for the first time in months (or even years).
8 March 2026 - Back from my Conference (Drowning in Grading)
I did not do any grading over my conference (the first big conference I've been to) because I was so freaking exhausted every day and didn't have the mental capacity to read a single word.
SO, I am now having to play catch up today. Before the break, I promised my students I will get their second projects back to them and I WILL do that if it is the last thing I do. The mini reflections can wait, but this cannot.
I am also hoping to do some homework readings and/or update my class syllabus to reflect reality a bit better.
Anyway, here's what I actually did today:
Sent + prepped announcements about my lack of grading AND our class library visit. Uploaded a (somewhat inaccurate in structure) Gantt chart I made for my students to consider the rest of the semester. (50m)
Logged some peer review/extension information in my attendance log. (20m)
Took a break to have breakfast + actually get ready for the day. I woke up late because I forgot about daylight savings. I also ended up playing games with a friend for 2 hours to work myself up to grading.
Graded papers. I used the latest Sab Yang Study With Me video to track time and force myself to take breaks. I got through ~13 students. I really need to start timing myself for 10 mins each, but I REALLY like giving students feedback :((( (3hrs)
Called my mom (not counting for time) and then speed graded 2 more papers while my dinner was heating up in the oven. (25m)
Checked what readings I have to do for class this week + prepped a few before getting back into grading. (10m)
Graded more papers. I honestly think my students have so many amazing thoughts and that they don't even realize how amazing their thoughts are. (2.5hrs)
Total Time: ~7 Hours
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Final Thoughts
I'm prepping this in case I end up going to bed and forget to post this, but oh my god grading takes forever. Before today, my highest was 7/day. This time it was 20-23.
To all my fellow grad instructors, please pace yourself. I know that I am going to be wishing I did when I need to grade even MORE tomorrow.
My university is going on Spring Break soon, but I have a LOT to do before I can feel ready to relax.
Here's what I did over the past two days:
THURSDAY (2/26)
Made some notes based on what I learned in last night's chess club. (15m)
Did some onboarding/paperwork for my summer job. (1hr + 15m)
Made some edits to my positionality statement and conference presentation. (30m)
Got the poster for my conference printed at the library. (30m)
Not counting the time for this, but did a workout! It's been a while, so I wanted to reward myself by putting it in this post.
~Interlude where I go to my fav cafe~
Started the document for my worknet (described in yesterday's post I think - I don't have the energy to get into it now). (2hrs)
FRIDAY (2/27)
Went to a workshop which walked me through the annual review process. (1hr)
Went to a meeting for my department's annual program review. (2hrs)
Worked on my worknet. Turned that in. (45m)
Edited my positionality statement. Turned that in. (15m)
I probably did more things, but I am editing this days after the fact, so I likely forgot lol.
Total Time: ~8.5 Hours
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Final Thoughts
Since this, I have done a bit of grading and am actively trying to balance being on Spring Break with my work responsibilities. I rested for like 2.5 days and actively didn't think of work and it was glorious. I didn't realize how much I was obsessing over work until I allowed myself to completely and totally relax. Now, I do actually need to do a bit of work or else I will be behind lol.
